PCB appoints former India World Cup winning coach as Pakistan's white-ball coach; Australian legend earns Test coach job

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed Gary Kirsten as their new white-ball coach ahead of the upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup 2024. The South African legend was also the Indian coach during the 2011 ODI World Cup. Australian legend Jason Gillespie has also joined the Men in Green side as their new red-ball coach and former Pakistan player Azhar Mahmood has joined the set up as the Assistant coach in all formats. All three of them have received a two-year contract.

PCB appoints new coaches

Pakistan cricket team will be playing in the T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy 2025, Asia Cup 2024, and T20 World Cup 2026 under the guidance of Gary Kirsten. Gillespie will have the responsibility for the ongoing WTC cycle.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has today confirmed Jason Gillespie as the red-ball head coach and Gary Kirsten as the white-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team. Azhar Mahmood has also been confirmed as an assistant coach across all formats. The three appointments have been made for a two-year period following a recruitment process,” said PCB in their official statement.

“Kirsten will take charge of the side immediately after completing his assignment in the Indian Premier League. During his tenure, besides the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and other bilateral white-ball series, Kirsten will also be in charge of the side for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. Gillespie will assume responsibilities for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh (at home in August), which will be followed by Tests against England (at home in October) and South Africa (away in December) in the 2024-25 season,” they added.

Kirsten on becoming Pakistan's white-ball coach

"It’s a tremendous honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of coaching the Pakistan men’s national team in white-ball cricket and to rejoin the international cricket arena after some time. I eagerly anticipate this opportunity and aim to contribute positively to the Pakistan men's national team in limited-overs cricket. One of the beautiful aspects of cricket is its universality. Across cultures, there’s a shared understanding when we discuss the game. My goal is to unite the Pakistan men’s white-ball team, harnessing their considerable talents towards a common objective, and achieving success together on the field," PCB quoted Kirsten.

"My perspective on Pakistan cricket has remained consistent over time. There’s always an inherent expectation for the team to perform at a high level consistently. However, in team sports, maintaining peak performance is not always guaranteed. As a coach, it’s immensely gratifying to assist players in unlocking their full potential. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with the individual players and the team, facilitating their growth and development. For cricket enthusiasts globally, Pakistan players are a familiar sight, showcasing their skills across various platforms. It's truly a joy to watch them play the game."

“Understanding the current state of the team and charting a path towards our desired goals is paramount. Winning ICC Events, while challenging, remains a significant objective. Whether it’s the upcoming tournament in June or events in the future, achieving success in these competitions would be a remarkable feat. My primary objective is to ensure the team operates at its optimal level. Success on the field is contingent upon the team performing at its best. Consistency and continuity are values I hold dear. While player form fluctuations are inevitable, maintaining a stable environment is crucial. I am committed to supporting players through their ups and downs, prioritising continuity in selections whenever possible," Kirsten concluded.

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